Fuel prices October 2026: why they rose and what it means for you
EPRA's October review raised petrol by KES 12.93, diesel by KES 9.90 and kerosene by KES 28.49 a litre. Here is why, and what it means for your budget.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised pump prices in its review of 14 October 2026. The new prices apply from 15 October to 14 November 2026, and they reverse the previous month's decision to leave prices unchanged.
New prices in Nairobi
- Super petrol: KES 226.96 a litre, up KES 12.93 from 214.03
- Diesel: KES 227.76, up KES 9.90 from 217.86
- Kerosene: KES 219.87, up KES 28.49 from 191.38
Prices include VAT at a temporarily reduced 8% (the normal rate on fuel is 16%); the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2026 lets the Treasury extend the lower rate by a further 90 days. Mombasa is slightly cheaper (petrol KES 223.81), and remote towns such as Mandera pay the most. See all towns on our fuel prices page.
Why prices rose
EPRA attributed the increase to higher international costs. Between August and September, the average landed cost of imported fuel rose:
- Super petrol: up 11.81%, from US$874.26 to US$977.55 per cubic metre
- Diesel: up 11.32%, from US$957.05 to US$1,065.38
- Kerosene: up 9.41%, from US$1,003.87 to US$1,098.31
The shilling was broadly steady, averaging KES 129.91 to the dollar in September against 129.72 in August, so almost all the increase came from global prices.
What it costs you
A 300 km trip in a car that does 12 km a litre uses 25 litres of petrol. In Nairobi that now costs KES 5,674, about KES 323 more than before the review. Work out your own trips with the calculator on our fuel prices page.
Higher diesel prices also feed into matatu fares, transport of goods and food prices. Transport inflation was already 15.6% in September 2026, when overall inflation was 6.8%; see our cost of living page.
When is the next review?
EPRA announces new maximum pump prices on the 14th of every month. The next prices take effect on 15 November 2026.
Sources
This article is general information, not financial advice.